AERATION , IRRIGATION & DRAINAGE
Turf nutrition
Marathon ® ALGAE fertiliser confirms its effectiveness
hanks to its hybrid
T formulation and patented technology , Marathon ® ALGAE fertiliser – developed by Olmix – provides perfect , long-term turf nutrition with significant action on soil microbial activity . It ’ s sure to win over greenkeepers and sports ground managers .
Nitrogen release comparable to fertilisers containing IBDU or urea formaldehyde The XSER ® complexation technology contained in Marathon ® ALGAE organomineral fertiliser enables nitrogen release kinetics over 4 months , equivalent to those obtained with slow-release formulations containing isobutylidene diurea ( IBDU ) or methylene urea [ Figure 1 ].
This feature of Marathon ® ALGAE fertiliser means that it can be used to feed turf over the long term , with a technology that has a better environmental profile than chemical formulas .
As the nitrogen is released slowly , it does not cause the grass to grow too quickly , necessitating frequent mowing . The risk of loss through leaching is reduced , as is the risk of scorch to foliage and roots .
Encourage root development and grass density rather than growth Progressive , balanced nutrition in the form of ammonium nitrogen rather than nitrate nitrogen enables grasses to develop a highly branched root system , and to establish their tillers more effectively [ Photo opposite ]. That ’ s why Marathon ® ALGAE fertiliser promotes a high grass density per square metre for a thick , resistant turf .
Studies carried out in partnership with the university of Hohenheim in Germany have highlighted the increase in root biomass with Marathon ® ALGAE compared with a nitrate-based control fertiliser : + 50 % after 100 days .
Fighting thatch building , the other action of Marathon ® ALGAE One of the factors causing deterioration in the quality of turfs is the accumulation of dead organic matter from mown grass residues . The formation of thatch blocks the circulation of water , air and nutrients to the roots and exposes the turf to fungal diseases . To prevent this build-up , it is necessary to stimulate the soil ’ s microbial activity so that it can break down this organic matter quickly .
At Amersfoort in the Netherlands , three years ’ monitoring of two sports fields fertilised with Marathon ® ALGAE demonstrated the effect of fertiliser on accelerating the decomposition of organic matter [ Figure 2 ].
As well as reducing the amount of thatch , this accelerated decomposition of organic matter is accompanied by the mineralisation of its nutrient compounds . This action releases more minerals , which are then available to feed the existing turf . On the two sport pitches monitored , the quantities of bioavailable nitrogen in the soil increased by 27 and 30 kg / ha respectively between year N and year N + 3 .
Fertilising golf courses and sports fields is a key factor in managing the quality of grassed areas . The choice of fertiliser to use is crucial , as it determines the intensity and regularity of the turf ’ s growth , its quality and its resistance to trampling and shearing . Marathon ® ALGAE organo-mineral fertiliser and its patented XSER ® technology combine the benefits of a slow-release fertiliser for gradual , long-lasting action , with the stimulation of the soil ’ s biological activity essential for maintaining conditions conducive to the development of high-quality turf .
For all Marathon enquiries , contact : Collier Turf Care Ltd 01328 700600 sales @ collier-turf-care . co . uk
8 GroundskeepingJournal . co . uk | July / August 2023